Oba William King

Oba's Photo Gallery Oba's Video Gallery
Address1 :
1634 E 53rd Street #143
City :
Chicago
State :
Illinois
Zip :
60615
Phone :
773-288-0800
Email :
Website :
Gender :
Male
Will Travel :
Yes
Does Workshops :

Hands on, Interactive, All Ages. Storytelling, Drama, Poetry... Writing Writing and Communication Skills. Family Literacy Programs and Reading Comprehension activities

Age Range of Performances :
Pre-K, K-5, 6-8, 9-12, Adults
Audience Types :
K-12 Schools, Others,

Church, Community Center, Administrative, Educators, Artist Resource - Development, Cultural, Diversity.

Story Types :
African, Original, Personal
Story Programs :
Brief Bio :

Oba William King shares more than a surname with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Like the revered civil rights leader, Oba has a dream and is on a mission to make a difference in the world. Drawing on the teachings and philosophies of Dr. King and others, Oba uses his gifts as an actor, musician and storyteller to share his celebration of heritage and diversity and to bring a message of hope and inspiration.

King is the founder and director of JUSTUS Arts Education Program for Youth, a Chicagobased organization that uses arts to help students and others appreciate their own abilities to make positive contributions to society. King believes that “cultural enlightenment is the key to sharing freedom in the human experience”. He says, “the arts save lives – allowing avenues for expression of thought and emotion.” Thus, King utilizes the arts as a bridge to positive community development.

Over the last decade, Oba has delighted thousands with his innovative and energetic performances, presentations and educational workshops. Audience participation plays a key role in his presentations that go far beyond entertainment to educate, enlighten and empower. Wherever he performs, King sparks a flame that keeps burning long after his performance is over.

A U. S. Army Vietnam era veteran, Oba has been a featured storyteller for Tellabration 2000 and the Kraft Foods Black Family Reunion. He is a member of the Illinois Arts Council, ARTSTOUR Roster, National Association of Black Storytellers, and National Storytellers Network. For his artistic and educational achievements, King has received a number of awards and recognitions including the 1999 Hidden Jewel of the Neighborhood Award presented by Jewel/Osco, Inc., the 2001 Illinois Arts Council Fellowship Award, and the Gwendolyn Brooks – Hands on Stanzas Poetry Award for 2002. He was also the featured artist in television station WTTW’s King of the Classroom.

Oba William King is an artist, an educator, and a motivator. In amazing performances, such as The Poetic Storyteller, We Speak in Rhythm, Word Jazz, The Courtroom and other presentations highlighting specific holiday celebrations and/or populations, Oba holds the attention of even the youngest member of the audience. He is, truly, a jewel whose brilliance is to be shared with people everywhere.

Are you looking for a storyteller to share stories from the African American experience? You've come to the right place! ASE members tell at schools, festivals, museums, libraries, colleges, and at special events all over Chicagoland. Many are also available for programs throughout the United States.
ASE Storytellers have chosen to advertise on this site. They have stated that the information on their pages is accurate and true. They further acknowledge that they are independent contractors and are not necessarily representatives of ASE. The exception to this would be if an authorized ASE officer secures a group performance contract.
We recommend you check references before committing to a contract with any performer. Fees and experience may vary widely.